November 8, 2022

2014

Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS Page 5

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Page 7

Page 8

NEWS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 2

CUPR Project improves lighting, HVAC

By Ashley Flowers Managing Editor The Division of Administration and Finance provided the first of the now monthly updates on the status of the Central Utility Plant Replacement (CUPR) Project in a Campus News submission on Oct. 31.

The update announced significant improvements to LED lighting; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and controls; domestic hot water; and the utility distribution system.

LED lighting and sensors have been updated in 22 campus buildings to automatically turn off after 30 minutes if no movement is detected.

The change is expected to contribute to a 30% reduction in energy consumption, according to the news release.

Multiple buildings on campus have already had these lighting fixtures and switches installed, which are currently in the process of being programmed.

The energy management systems (EMS), which monitor and control HVAC systems, and HVAC have been upgraded in 10 campus buildings.

Controls are nearly completed in Speech

Photo of the Fresno State Library on Sept. 1. The first phase of the Central Utility Plant Replacement (CUPR) Project began in May. Eric Martinez — The Collegian Arts, Family and Food Science, McKee Fisk, Engineering West and Grosse Industrial Technology, and the timeline for remaining buildings is available online.

All buildings are currently scheduled to be completed by fall 2023, except for the newer areas of the Music Building, which has no current expected completion date.

New heat pumps have been installed in 14 buildings that require hot water year-round to support the domestic hot water (DHW) load.

Underground distribution piping has been installed to connect buildings to the new central plant to provide heating and cooling to campus buildings. CUPR Project construction previously delayed turning on heating on campus until Monday.

These pipes, referred to as lateral lines, include chilled and hot water lines, of which the chilled water line is in progress at the Music Building while the lateral lines to the Agricultural Mechanics Building and the

Satellite Student Union will be installed next.

When the work is completed, new concrete will be poured in to restore sidewalks. This has already been done by University High School and the Maple Mall, where the fencing previously in place throughout the semester has been taken down.

This piping is expected to reduce natural gas use to 73%, according to the news release.

While construction continues, audible warning devices have been stationed at the Library and near the Armenian Genocide Memorial to alert visually impaired pedestrians about the most critical construction crossings on campus, according to Public Information Officer Lisa Bell.

The devices alert and emit a unique locator tone to visually impaired pedestrians. Further information and instructions for how to use them are available through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).

Updates will continue to be posted online and on the Facilities Management Twitter account. The Fresno State app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play, includes a 3D interactive map to help students, staff and faculty navigate the campus amidst construction.

Peace Fresno and Fresno State collaborate to host anti-war activist Medea Benjamin on campus

By Ashley Flowers Managing Editor Medea Benjamin, co-author of “War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict,” will come to Fresno State on Dec. 2 as part of her national book tour, thanks to Peace Fresno and Fresno State’s support.

During the free event, Benjamin, cofounder of both the women-led peace group CODEPINK and the international human rights organization Global Exchange, will lead a presentation titled “Ukraine War and the Nuclear Threat.”

Fresno State alumnus Ken Hudson, president and co-founder of Peace Fresno, organized the book tour’s visit to Fresno State.

There will be a table at the event with information about the organization where

attendees can meet with Peace Fresno representatives.

According to Hudson, Benjamin’s organization, CODEPINK, contacted Peace and presented the offer of sponsoring a presentation as part of the national book tour.

Multiple Fresno State departments and programs co-sponsored the event, including Africana Studies, Anthropology, Asian American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Sociology and the Ethics Center.

“Without them it would be difficult for us to have a venue at Fresno State,” he said.

Benjamin will be using the time on campus to present a recent history and analysis of the Ukraine War and calling on President Joe Biden to use diplomacy to negotiate peace, according to Hudson.

“It’s not this clear dichotomy of good versus evil that we see in the media. It’s much more complex than that, and she will address that,” he said.

The presentation will last 45 minutes, followed by a Q&A with Benjamin and a book signing in the foyer where students will get a chance to meet with the author herself.

“Benjamin is one of America’s leading anti-war activists, and she has been for the past 30 years,” Hudson said.

The event will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, in the Grosse Industrial Tech Building, Room 101, from 12:30-2 p.m.

Parking at the event will be free with the permission code 339413 at the permit dispenser outside the University Police Station on the southeast corner of Barstow and Jackson avenues.

Medea Benjamin will release her book on Nov. 15. Courtesy of CODEPINK Benjamin’s book, which will be published on Nov. 15, will be available for purchase for $17. The book can also be purchased ahead of time online for $17 plus shipping and taxes with the code “CODEPINK.” Students and community members interested in joining Peace Fresno can contact Hudson at ken.hudson@peacefresno.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

PAGE 3

Student celebrates fresh start after drug addiction

By Carlos Rene Castro Multimedia Reporter Fresno State graduate student Carlos Mendoza remembers the day he and his coworkers had to take away two children from their mother in the hospital due to a drug overdose.

One of the children tested positive for methamphetamine after being exposed to the substance by the mother.

Mendoza, an intern social worker, held one of the crying siblings in his arms, questioning if he could see himself in the profession of child welfare.

“Immediately, I said yes,” Mendoza, 39, said. “That’s when I knew I was in the right spot.”

He knew this was the route he wanted to take because he understands the challenge of fighting addiction himself.

For 12 years, the Tulare native used methamphetamine almost daily, staying up for days on end. Mendoza first started using at Fresno State the first time he enrolled.

He ended up dropping out due to his addiction in 2001, and then he went on a downward spiral before realizing he needed to make a change.

After going through rehab and utilizing mental health services, Mendoza became a prominent figure in his community.

“He shaped the direction and energy of the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,” said Suzanna Aguilera-Marrero, former member of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Foundation.

Mendoza always kept his energetic and positive personality. His youthful and charismatic look makes his personality contagious, motivating those around him. He is also very welcoming and approachable with his clean-cut, youthful appearance.

It made sense that he’s now a social worker because of how good he is with people.

Mendoza not only returned to Fresno State, but he became a Fresno State alumnus, earning his bachelor’s degree in sociology.

“I am proud of who I am today. I know I don’t have to do anything to please anybody

because at the end of the day, if they’re not happy with me, that’s on them,” he said.

He knew he would return to Fresno State and credits his fraternity, Nu Alpha Kappa (NAK), and professors for welcoming him back to campus and reviving his educational career.

“When I was introduced to the Title IV-E program and what Fresno State had to offer for the master’s program, I felt it was a calling for me,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza is now an intern at Child Welfare Services, a program offered by Title IV-E Child Welfare Program at Fresno State. He is on a full-ride program scholarship and is graduating next year with a master’s degree.

Mendoza came a long way to return to his alma mater.

He began to use methamphetamine because of the effect it had on his body shape, motivating him to continue using.

“I saw what it did to me… And I was like, ‘Wow, if this is what it does to me. I never want to quit.’ When I said that, I sold my soul right there,” he said.

Carlos Mendoza.

Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian

Bulldog graduate student Carlos Mendoza participates in a volunteer event for his fraternity, Nu Alpha Kappa (NAK), on Oct. 1. Carlos Rene Castro — The Collegian As a functioning addict, he could work and provide for himself despite his heavy usage, he said.

It was then that he hit rock bottom, forcing him to rethink his life.

During that time, his drug use was at its peak and he was going through a rough break up with an abusive boyfriend after a sevenmonth relationship.

“That was sort of making me realize, ‘What am I doing with my life? What’s happening?

Why am I going through this?’” he said.

To get his life back on track, Mendoza enrolled in an inpatient program at Genesis Residential Center, a state-licensed residential substance abuse treatment program for adults 18 and older, in Seaside.

While the program offers eight beds for six-to-10-month stays, Mendoza completed it within four months.

After finishing the program, he returned to his hometown of Tulare in October 2013.

He continued to work on his wellness by enrolling in mental health services.

With the encouragement from his sponsor, Mendoza decided to go back to school and pursue a college degree again.

In 2016, Mendoza enrolled at College of the Sequoias (COS) in Visalia. He attended a few general education classes, but then he found his passion for sociology.

“The topic

was amazing. I fell in love with it,” Mendoza said.

He graduated from COS in 2019.

It was during his time at COS that Mendoza became involved with the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, an organization that helps business development within the Hispanic community for economic benefit.

Shortly after joining the organization, he became president.

Aguilera-Marrero and Mendoza first crossed paths at a city of Tulare homelessness summit after Mendoza introduced himself.

According to Aguilera-Marrero, she remembered Mendoza walking up to her and saying, “I want to grow up to be just like you.”

Through her assistance, Mendoza returned to Fresno State and completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology.

His long-term goal is to return to COS and become a professor and an academic counselor.

“We all have strength to overcome anything.

I’ve gone through abuse. I went through drug addiction. I went through breakups and just having my heart broken. Everything,” Mendoza said.

“I did what I did. But the thing is, I’m speaking today as someone that rose from that… I want to encourage everybody to find that inner strength and rise from that.”

Front Cover — Graphic by Wyatt Bible Top: Zane Pope (2) rushes down the field in the game against Hawaii. (Estela Anahi Jaramillo/The Collegian) Bottom: Left, Nikko Remigio playing football as a child. (Courtesy of Mark Remigio) Right, Remigio runs down the field in a game against Cal Poly. (Manuel Hernandez/The Collegian)

A&E

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 4

Aztec Dance Club celebrates Dia de los Muertos

By Diego Vargas A&E Editor The Fresno State Aztec Dance Club celebrated Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 2, showcasing an ofrenda and a traditional Aztec dance to venerate the dead in front of the Kennel Bookstore.

The club collaborated with the CrossCultural and Gender Center’s (CCGC) celebration of the event. An altar was made in La Casita within the CCGC, where students were able to submit photos of their loved ones who have passed away.

“We sponsored their cempazuchil flowers, or the marigold flowers, and we also helped promote their event,” said Lesly Beas, student coordinator for Latino/a Programs and Services. “We unfortunately were not able to have a bigger location, and because of that, we weren’t able to collaborate completely.”

In total, over 30 photo submissions were sent to be displayed at La Casita’s altar.

The dance club had an altar of its own as well, presenting a pyramid with marigolds, pan de muerto and photos of loved ones.

Marigolds encircled and lined the legs of the tents that were propped up to protect the altar from potential rain. Near it, smoke billowed from burned sage. Candles shone in the corners of the big ofrenda, with a portrait of an Indigenous woman adorning the front of it.

The celebration kicked off with a blessing of the earth by local Native American veterans,

The Fresno State Aztec Dance Club celebrated Dia de los Muertos with a traditional Aztec dance. An altar served as the centerpiece of the celebration. Diego Vargas — The Collegian who acknowledged the land Fresno State was built on as the traditional homelands of the Yokuts and Mono peoples.

“We bring natives since it’s also Native

La Casita had its own ofrenda within the Cross-Cultural and Gender Center.

Diego Vargas — The Collegian

American Heritage Month. We commemorate them, as well as the land that we’re on, because it’s Yokut land,” said Lauren Maldonado Medina, president of the club.

After a prayer was done for the Earth and for the dead, the club performed a traditional Aztec dance. The dance is a form of prayer that honors the dead, wishes goodness for a loved one and displays remembrance of tradition.

“It’s mainly to show the students and the public what our culture is and bring more awareness to the public, like who we are, how we honor our roots, where we come from and our ancestors more than anything,” said Medina, who also participated in the dance.

The dance included the use of traditional drums at a rapid tempo. A flutist played mesmerizing notes, guiding the dancers through the ceremony.

All of the dancers wore ankle seed shakers, eloquently stepping to the beat of the drums and filling the air with a steady rattle. They wore colorful traditional costumes, which swung and fluttered through the air as they circled the altar. A scepter bearing seed shakers and feathers was passed between

the dancers, its feathers quivering with each movement.

Gloria Valencia, a Fresno State alumna who graduated in 2013, attended the event with her two children after hearing about it during a Dia de los Muertos event in Downtown Fresno.

“I went to the Cala Gala event in Arte Américas and they reposted [a post about] this event,” Valencia said. “I wanted to bring [my children] so they could see a little bit about our culture.”

Valencia also expressed her excitement regarding the cultural representation on campus in relation to other events at Fresno State.

“I’m really glad that this university is promoting these types of events in a broader spectrum,” Valencia said. “I’m excited about there being a [celebration for] a separate holiday than Halloween and [being able to] expose my children to our cultures.”

The CCGC will also be celebrating La Posada next month on Dec. 6. Las Posadas are a tradition celebrated primarily in Latin America leading up to Christmas Eve.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

PAGE 5

Athletics donations tops Day of Giving leaderboard

By Jannah Geraldo Editor-in-Chief Day of Giving (DOG) returned to Fresno State for its sixth annual fundraiser, netting over $459,632 for various university groups.

The 24-hour fundraiser invites donors throughout the United States to contribute money in support of one of the university’s eight schools and colleges, Fresno State Athletics or a campus division or program.

However, things looked a bit different this year, as DOG lasted for 1,911 minutes to honor Fresno State’s founding year, 1911.

Festivities kicked off on Nov. 2 at 5 a.m. with a rally on Shaw and Maple avenues, and ended Nov. 3 at 12:51 p.m. Throughout the two days, participants were invited to take part in social media challenges and hourly events for the chance to have contributions matched by other donors.

The DOG website hosted a live leaderboard of incoming donations, with minute-byminute updates of ongoing challenges and donation stats.

The early bird challenge started off the fundraiser from 5 - 8 a.m., with first place

for the challenge going to the College of Arts and Humanities; second place to the Fresno State Alumni Association; and a tie at third place with the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and the College of Science and Mathematics.

Other social media pushes, such as “Future Bulldogs” and “Midnight Madness,” also had Bulldogs active online, using the hashtag #FresnoStateDOG. For the first time since the fundraiser’s inception in 2017, donations to support Fresno State Athletics topped the DOG leaderboard, ending the College of Arts and Humanities’ five-year streak at the top of donations.

Over 400 individual donors contributed to athletics, 320 to the College of Arts and Humanities and 172 toward the Fresno State Alumni Association.

In total, 1,780 contributions were made from the U.S. and internationally from the United Kingdom and Norway. This was a 3.61% increase in individual donations compared with last year’s DOG. However, donations slightly dipped this year at 5.53% lower than last year’s total of $486,644.

“We are thrilled with the success of this

Community members joined together for the Day of Giving rally on Shaw and Maple avenues. Marcos Acosta — The Collegian year’s Day of Giving,” said Paula Castadio, vice president for University Advancement, to Fresno State News.

“The purpose of this 1,911-minute digital

giving campaign is to support student success at Fresno State and deepen a culture of philanthropy on campus and in our community.”

Veterans Day celebrations start early on campus

By Ashley Flowers Managing Editor Fresno State started celebrating Veterans Day a week early with live music, free food and a chance to win raffle prizes for staff and faculty at the Resnick Student Union’s (RSU) outdoor amphitheater on Nov. 4.

The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) hosted the themed Red Friday event, which was the latest in a series of monthly morning events organized by the Staff Assembly Executive Committee (SAEC) to connect staff and faculty.

The VRC is located in University Center (UC) 101 across from the University Student Union (USU). It serves the university’s veterans and service members; their dependents; and their community to “foster a campus atmosphere of support to empower our students toward academic success and well-being,” according to its brochure.

According to the VRC’s website, Fresno State has 459 student veterans on campus.

Many students who are veterans, reservists or national guardsmen are also eligible for

additional services through TRIO Student Support Services Veterans (SSSV), which is located in Lab School, Room 9.

The VRC used the Red Friday event to highlight upcoming events.

The VRC will feature a veterans art display, including art from many on-campus and community veterans, that will be available for viewing through Thursday, Nov. 10.

The exhibit will culminate with “Veteran Art at the Winery,” presented by the VRC at the Fresno State Winery on Nov. 10, from 4-6 p.m. The event will include award-winning wine tasting for a fee of $15. Those interested in attending can RSVP online with the code “vetart.”

On Friday, Nov. 11, the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade will return to downtown Fresno at the Fresno City Hall with a preceremony at 9:30 a.m., an opening ceremony at 10:45 a.m. and parade kick-off at 11:11 a.m.

TRIO will also host several events, including a cake-cutting ceremony for the 247th Marine Corps Birthday on Nov. 10 at noon in Lab School, Room 10.

Information about further TRIO events can

The Veterans Resource Center hosted the Red Friday event, highlighting upcoming events, including the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.

Ashley Flowers — The Collegian be found on its social media accounts.

SAEC encourages others to sponsor, or host, a Red Friday to improve networking, promote a department or division and share in

Bulldog spirit, according to its website. Those interested in it can fill out a sponsor form online.

The next Red Friday will be on Dec. 2.

OPINION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 6

Netflix, stop exploiting Dahmer’s victims

By Alexa Barraza Social Media Editor If there’s one thing my mom, older sister and I all have in common, it is our love for true crime. Sitting down on the couch, sharing snacks and turning on Netflix to watch anything true crime-related is our version of a perfect Saturday night.

Of course, this interest isn’t uncommon at all. Millions of people share this similar interest in psycho-analyzing the cruelest of serial killers and mass murderers.

As horrifying and traumatic as the stories are, there is always a story to tell and a purpose in hearing these stories.

There is an underlying importance that the society we live in can be criticized, and the various instances of overlooking how we fail the lives of victims are both tragic and important to hear.

It’s here that we understand that speaking up for others is essential. That is the purpose of true crime media.

Because of this popular interest, thousands of videos, podcasts, movies, documentaries and TV shows are created.

One of the newest to come out is Netflix’s 2022 mini-TV series “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”

Evan Peters stars as the infamous American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, a man from Wisconsin who murdered 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991.

Dahmer instantly became a household name when news broke about the heinous and gruesome crimes he committed. He was practically a celebrity by the time he was imprisoned in 1991.

This twisted source of fame is how Netflix took advantage of this household name and began abusing it.

The streaming powerhouse has an entire genre for true crime, including many different

The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.

Evan Peters as Jeffrey Dahmer in Netflix’s “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” (Netflix/TNS) stories to listen to and new names to recognize.

Along with the new “Dahmer,” Netflix simply has too many Dahmer-related titles in their collection.

Again, it’s important to recognize the names of the victims and their families that had to suffer as a result.

It’s not only painful and heartbreaking for the audience to learn about their stories, but it’s even more traumatizing for them to relive it through the screen.

There’s a fine line between informing the people and entertaining the people for the purpose of profit.

The Collegian California State University, Fresno 5201 N. Maple Ave., M/S SA42 Fresno, CA 93740-8027 News Line: (559) 278-5732 Business Line: (559) 278-5735 Advertising Line: (559) 278-8179

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Social Media Director Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter

Rita Isbell, the sister of Errol Lindsey, who was murdered by Dahmer in 1991, spoke out about how Netflix failed to communicate with her about recreating the show.

“I was never contacted about the show,” Isbell told Insider. “I feel like Netflix should’ve asked if we mind or how we felt about making it. They didn’t ask me anything. They just did it.”

Isbell accused Netflix of simply “making money off of this tragedy.”

There are more stories to expand upon than the ones tied to Dahmer. There are more names to shed light upon, and there are

Jannah Geraldo Ashley Flowers Manuel Hernandez Diego Vargas Estela Anahi Jaramillo Alexa Barraza Aidan Garaygordobil Viviana Hinojos Alexis Castellanos Maxwell Gallegos Noah Chavez Ramon Castaños

Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Multimedia Reporter Multimedia Reporter Staff Photographer Graphic Designer Advertising General Manager Financial Manager General Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Department Chair

always more stories to respect. Why continue to capitalize on him?

Outside of Netflix, there are certainly even more platforms hopping on the “Dahmer” bandwagon.

Who knows how many more projects will come out in the next few years?

I think back to those moments of being couch potatoes with my mom and older sister and watching true crime shows. I know this interest is something we will never lose.

But when will Netflix and other platforms lay Dahmer to rest?

Al Scott Dylan Gonzales Blake Wolf Carlos Rene Castro Marcos Acosta Wyatt Bible Daisy Rodas Kevin Fries Richard Marshall Greg Baker Donald Munro Faith Sidlow

The Collegian carries four different ethnic supplements inserted several times throughout each semester into its print publication. Each supplement is produced by its own staff and advisers and is separate from The Collegian.

The news stories or opinions in the supplements do not reflect those of The Collegian.

Each member of the campus community is permitted a copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. All content Copyright © 2022 The Collegian.

Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu): All letters submitted to The Collegian should be between 250-500 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 7

Bulldogs ride a wave over Rainbow Warriors in dominating victory

By Noah Chavez Reporter Fresno State’s 55-14 win over the Rainbow Warriors last Saturday was the largest score margin the team has had this season.

It is also the highest points scored for the ‘Dogs this season. The Bulldogs’ 42-score margin is the largest victory in a conference game since recording a 48-3 win on Nov. 3, 2018 at UNLV. The Bulldogs’ fourth Mountain West win sparked excitement within the offensive team that seemed to be absent this fall.

What ensued was the largest victory over the Rainbow Warriors since a 70-14 pounding at home in 2004.

All eyes looked to quarterback Jake Haener and his offense to be more competitive. The week before, Haener was sacked a recordsetting seven times throughout a game against San Diego State.

However, against Hawaii, the offensive line only allowed one sack, giving Haener the time needed to throw for a total of 327 yards and four touchdowns. Haener was named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Hawaii. Last weekend, he completed 24-of-29 passes for 327 yards.

Saturday was the 16th career 300-yard passing game for Haener.

In the win over Hawaii Haener also threw a season-high four touchdwon passes with no interceptions. His longest touchdown pass of the season was to his teammate Jalen MorenoCropper.

Haener’s first touchdown pass also snapped the Rainbow Warriors four-game streak of not allowing a passing touchdown since their matchup against San Diego on Oct. 8, 2022.

Fresno State Head Coach Jeff Tedford was pleased with his squad’s offensive performance, as in previous games the offense lacked redzone production. “[I] thought they played really well and the offense made a lot of big plays. I thought Jake played really great; all of the receivers and [Jordan] Mims ran the ball well; Malik [Sherrod] ran the ball well, so typically that says that the offensive line did well as well,” Tedford said.

Haener said he owed his offensive linemen much of the credit for the team’s win.

“You know, it was nice to put together a

complete team win tonight. I think I could have done a better job early on staying calm in the pocket. I was a little jumpy in the pocket, so I need to just settle in there for a second. [I’m] so glad the boys did a really good job and gave me an opportunity to throw the ball down the field,” he said.

This win against Hawaii is important for the team. The Bulldogs hadn’t beaten the Rainbow Warriors since 2019, and for many this was their last chance at redemption after previous losses in the season against Boise State, University of Connecticut, University of Southern California and Oregon State.

“My coach from high school actually called me and told me about a quote, saying ‘He who laughs last, laughs best.’ Or something like that.

So it was fun to go and play out there and get a win over them for the last time,” Haener said.

In addition to the Bulldog offense performing well with a total yardage earned of 572 yards, a strong performance by the defense set the standard for the rest of the game.

The first touchdown was a defensive pick six by Hawaii transfer Cam Lockridge in the first quarter. Defensive captain Evan Williams understood the need to create defensive stands and turnovers in response.

“We understand that takeaways can change a game. I know Cam got one early in the game that felt great. Just settling the game down, getting that first score on defense is such a momentum shifter, and it’s huge for the momentum of the game,” Williams said.

On all sides of the ball the Bulldogs held strong, leading to an eventual 55-0 lead going into the fourth quarter before pulling many of their starters.

The Bulldogs now have a winning streak of four games, with three consecutive home wins for the season, putting the ‘Dogs’ at 4-1 in Mountain West Conference play.

The ‘Dogs’ remain on top of the West Division standings. The San Jose Spartans are directly beneath them with a conference record of 4-1 ahead of their game against UNLV. “Right now we’re on a short week coming up, so it’s really important that we’re healthy and that we take a couple days to make sure we’re fresh and ready to go and get ready to play an excellent UNLV team,” Tedford said.

The Bulldogs will travel to Las Vegas for a Friday game against their 4-5 divisional rivals, the UNLV Rebels, at Allegiant Stadium.

Top, Jordan Mims (7) makes his way to a Bulldog touchdown. Bottom, Bulldog defense celebrate Carlton Johnson (40) sacking Hawaii quarterback, Brayden Schager. Estela Anahi Jaramillo - The Collegian

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

PAGE 8

Nikko Remigio: A versatile prodigy

By Estela Anahi Jaramillo Sports Editor Many know Nikko Remigio as the former UC Berkeley and current Fresno State football player and superstar athlete. However, others may know him as a multi-instrumental musician or a calculating chess champion.

Remigio is a man of many talents, and his football skills as a star wide reciever barely scratch the surface of what he can do. The 23-year-old is a fifth year senior at Fresno State. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science at UC Berkeley in 2022.

Remigio and his two younger brothers were raised in an environment that encouraged different hobbies such as sports, music and chess. Nikko’s father, Mark Remigio, said it was important that each of his children gain different experiences and always learn new things.

With sports, Nikko’s mom, Jennifer Remigio, and Mark made sure their son was able to find his place wherever he was active.

He was involved in football, baseball, soccer,

Nikko Remigio, former chess champion, playing the game. Courtesy of Mark Remigio

basketball, rugby, jiu jitsu, kickboxing, surfing, snowboarding and track.

“When they were younger, we tried to maximize everything and tried to instill as many tools as we could while they were still pliable,” Mark said.

Nikko started playing football at the age of 4. Sports served a greater purpose for him. They taught multiple life skills, including teamwork, discipline, hard work and perseverance. The exposure to these different sports and activities allowed him to build his core values at a young age.

Jennifer said he always maintained an ability to be drawn to people and have people be drawn to him. Sports and the other activities allowed him to connect and interact with his peers in an “authentic” way, she said.

The “warrior culture” of football is what made Remigio gravitate to the sport, Mark said. Though athletics served more than just a support system, the Remigio boys were able to leverage their athletic abilities to get them into higher education.

“My parents, they set the guidelines for me on how to go about everything. Even when I was falling off the path a little bit, they had always given me that love and support I always needed,” Nikko said.

Jennifer and Mark also stressed the importance of their boys being wellversed in the arts. The boys were able to learn to play piano, guitar, and drums from either their father or YouTube videos. In elementary school, the boys were even chess champions. The pursuit of multiple interests helped drive Nikko and his brothers through adversity in their lives.

Jennifer said that, rather than football, music could have been an area where Nikko would have succeeded in and Nikko became stronger in.

Remigio She recalled that getting when Nikko was in ready for a punt return. the seventh grade. He Blake Wolf picked up the guitar and — The learned to play and sing Collegian for a talent show.

“He’s a pretty good little singer, and we have fun with it. Just like his diverse background, he loves all music,” Jennifer said.

Music and chess helped create the skills for Remigio to identify patterns and the ability to compartmentalize obstacles for a bigger picture.

Remigio put these skills to use when he made the decision to transfer from UC Berkeley to Fresno State in January 2022.

Jennifer emphasized the importance of this decision for her son, and said she encouraged him to draft a pros and cons list. He was able to assess the many different reasons why Fresno State was a good match for him.

“I think that having him involved in so many things has helped him to be open to challenges and difficulties and stepping outside of his comfort zone,” Jennifer said.

Some major pros on Nikko’s list included the Bulldogs’ team dynamic; the opportunity to play with Football Head Coach Jeff Tedford and his team of coaches; and the Red Wave’s passion. Everything put together made the choice a “no brainer.”

“He’s always been calculating, and his thought process and ability to navigate the field and get some clarity [has been helpful],” Mark said.

Nikko’s cultural background has also played a hand in his success and his ability to navigate through life. Remigio is half Filipino, a quarter Black and a quarter white.

His father said his diverse background has allowed him to resonate with different people and bring them together.

“It’s just a beautiful thing to learn and to know that you’re made up of so [many] great diversity and ethnicities and have so many great traditions. It helps them interact with other people and appreciate theirs as well,” Jennifer said.

Nikko said that as he grew up he felt a bit of an identity crisis in figuring out who he was and what his identity was.

This served as an early experience of adversity in his life,

Nikko Remigio, his father and two younger brothers on their trip to the Phillipines. Courtesy of Mark Remigio but he was able to find himself in his identity.

Nikko had the chance to visit the Philippines before travel was limited due to COVID-19. The opportunity to visit another country outside of his Orange County home allowing him to gain a different perspective, Mark said.

“I think having to find ways to be confident in myself and not really seek anybody’s approval to be confident and be who I am [has impacted me]. It’s my makeup. It’s my mold. It’s the blueprint of who I am,” Nikko said.

Mark explained how unbelieveably proud he is of his son and his triumphs. He placed many mantras in his kids’ lives, one being “it’s about the journey not the destination.”

In his time at Fresno State, Remigio has had several accolades from leaping over opponents and rushing for an 87-yard touchdown after receiving a punt return in the game against University of Connecticut. With the welcoming environment of the team, he’s found his way as a Bulldog.

Jennifer said that she hopes he continues to remain true to himself, and to “follow his heart and just enjoy.”

“It’s easy to get so caught up and get so serious, and so mundane, and so trapped. And it’s really about him enjoying this life,” Jennifer said. “Where he is at this moment, and staying present while he continues to prepare for his future.”